Blood in the Water

The Ski Trip

It's been about two weeks since New Year's. Lydia has made some progress in her recovery. Lindsay has arranged for her to see a therapist, and I think it's been helping. In a spontaneous moment, Lydia dyed her hair jet black for a change. It looks promising, but I doubt it will last.

      We all decided it was time for a getaway, and the kids suggested a ski trip. Since we had a Friday off from school this week, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to drive up to Vail. We live in Boulder, so Vail is just over a two-hour drive away.

      You might be wondering how I plan to ski. There's something called a bi-ski, which allows you to sit down and ski in a similar manner. It should be fun, and someone will stay with me the whole time. We're planning to leave early tomorrow morning, and Drew will pick us up in Natalie's SUV.

      I'm currently doing homework with Connor so I can relax this weekend. I'm feeling pretty good, and my GPA is 4.2. I've had time to focus on my studies now that I can't cheer. Although my GPA is strong, I do miss being part of the squad.

"What time are we leaving tomorrow?" I asked. "6 A.M.," said Connor.
"Ok, I'm so tired of getting up early," I said. "Same."
"I'm going to try and sleep now," I said.
"Ok, I'll turn the lights off and stuff."

He got up and helped us get ready for bed. He locked the doors and grabbed us an extra blanket. I set an alarm on my phone for 5:30. He climbed into bed, and I snuggled against him while we watched some *Gossip Girl*. I was so glad we were going on this trip; I really needed it. It's making me realize how sad I am about my leg while being stuck inside this house.

"I love you, goodnight," I said.
"I love you too baby," he said.

I felt secure and exhausted. Homework has taken over my life, but I will do anything for Connor. I need to get into Alabama with him for football.

Beep. Beep. Beep. That same noise I hear almost every day. I reached over to turn it off. I was alone. Connor was gone for his customary morning run. It was freezing outside, I was so worried about him. He should be getting home any second. I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth. When I came out, I heard the door open.

"Connor?"
"Yeah Lyssa," he said.
"How was your run?" I asked.
"It was good. I only did four miles," he said. "That's plenty. I promise."

I went back to my room, got ready, and finished packing. We were the last stop for Drew. I don't particularly like the cold, but I know this trip will be fun. I saw someone pull into the driveway, so Connor and I took our things outside. We joined them in the back of the large car.

"What's up guys," I said.

Everyone looked tired.

"I'm so excited," said Lydia.

I felt the old Lydia's presence, but she's allowed to change.

"The resort looks nice," Drew said.
"I'm tired," declared Jackson.

Lydia nudged him.

"Thank god there's no sharks here," said Lucas. "What the fuck Lucas," said Connor.

I swallowed hard. Flashbacks started again. My stomach hurt. I felt a lump in my throat, due to tears comprising. Connor put his arm around me, in the eerily silent car. I looked out of the window.

"Lucas, what were you thinking?" Asked Lydia. "I'm sorry."

I grabbed my AirPods and put them in. I was listening to Taylor Swift. Tears were going down my face because of all the flashbacks. The bloody sand, my leg, the big eyes, the cries, the screams, and the fear. The lyrics were making me relate and I was sick to my stomach about it. It was a long time ago, but something that traumatic sticks with you. When you have a whole car ride to think about it, it's even worse.